Funded by OCEANERA-NET, the LAMWEC project seeks to develop and test a full scale (200kW) Laminaria wave energy converter (WEC), progressing the prototype from TRL stage 5 (technology validated in relevant environment) to 7 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment). The LAMWEC project will take a number of important steps to develop the Laminaria WEC and prove its survivability at pre-commercial scale. These steps include:
1. The design and build of a 200kW Laminaria WEC incorporating a scaled up version of the power take-off (PTO) and storm protection system;
2. The development of a new anchor design suitable for a range of seabed configurations;
3. The development of a mooring and pulley system for the 11.8m diameter (280t) device that will support the innovative storm protection system, PTO, and frame; and
4. Performance assessment of the full scale device at TRL 7 in real sea conditions at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, Scotland.
The LAMWEC project is made up of a consortium of ocean energy experts, with over 30 years of combined practical experience in the sector. The consortium is led by Laminaria, and includes EMEC, Innosea, Ghent University, and TTI Testing.